Isobus and Virtual Terminal

We have been busy getting some of the large range of equipment we now offer to the Henty Field Day Site,  so make sure you call in and have a yarn on the Agco stand.

Recently amongst our clients there has been quite a lot of discussion on ISO or Isobus, and implement control via ISO/ Virtual Terminal
This is where the Tractors Screen communicates with an implement controller, and displays the implements information on the tractors screen.

The advantage is that you only need one screen in the cabin, saving space and the cost of the Additional implement control Screen.
But there are a few things to consider, see comments below.

Fendt have been working on this for a long time, the Fendt 716, I purchased off Chris Wiesner in the Early 2000's,  15 years ago, had an ISO 11783 compliant plug in the cabin way back then, so they were way ahead of the game then, and remain so.

I have attached some info and links below to assist farmers making decisions about what they should be looking for in this Technology, as it takes a bit of research to evaluate the best decision for your situation or application.

We are only to happy to help you here it you have any queries, or put you in touch with the experts at Agco  and Topcon.

Fendt Variotronic Running ISO implement

 

Fendt Variotronic info PDF   Click Here 

 

VarioDoc and TaskDoc  info  Click Here

Technology is changing rapidly, and this year more than ever you are faced with some new challenges when looking at updating tractors, and in particular thinking about adding new equipment to your operation.
Several years ago the GPS revolution started, which is now widely used, examples Fendt VarioGuide, full automatic steering using GPS, but it is still evolving, with extra technology that is now available in the tractor. example, Fendt VarioDoc

Taking it further farmers now want to add additional functionality and connectivity to their implements, so that monitoring and documentation can now be sent directly from the tractor to the farm Office.

Many manufactures now offer ISO connectivity in their displays, the generic standard is  ISO11783

This is the Global Agricultural standard for software communication with Canbus and ISO that agricultural equipment manufactures are encouraged to comply with, but remember its voluntary, if a company thinks there is no commercial reason for sharing their protocols they don't have to, there's no obligation.

And it is a moving target, and various manufactures will be somewhat further down the track than others, as new models and equipment are rolled out.

For example, Fendt are a long way down the track with systems that work well.
Topcon, who supply a big percentage of controllers on Australian Air seeders, are also well down the track, with ISO systems being fitted to many Air Seeders globally, see Apollo Below.

So when your looking at upgrading equipment, a typical Scenario might be purchasing a new Spreader Sprayer or Seeder to use on your farm, to go with your new Fendt.

A good question to ask!

Is the  ISO system they offer ISO11783 compliant Click for info?

If there is a blank look on their face, they have probably answered your question!

This doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it, it may be the right implement for your job.
But it does mean you probably should purchase a stand alone implement controller and display to put in the cabin, rather than going down the ISO path.

The other issue you can find with ISO is that the display information will be somewhat dumbed down to comply with the standard, and may have poorer graphics.

This may or may not be an issue, you will need to see the system in ISO mode to satisfy yourself of its functionality.
To display and monitor your Tractor, guidance and Bin metering and monitoring, requires a lot of screen space, You may find the ISO screen a bit limited, and be better running the second screen.

However things are getting better all the time, the new Apollo ISObus controller just released by Topcon does a great Job, and will be at Henty for you to look at on the Topcon Site.

Topcon Apollo info Click Here

Topcon Apollo Setup Virtual terminal on airseeder, would be the same as Gason Running ISO

On the software transfer and data storage side you also need to ask a question.

Can I Export/import via open data standard ISOXML?

It needs to be if you want to keep the architecture of your data management system open, so you don't get locked into a supplier.
You will also want to be able send data to the cloud in generic format, to facilitate easy sharing of that data with your office, agronomist or accountant.

Ive attached a link to a PDF that explains Fendt's system, its worth printing off so you can ask the right questions.    Click Here

To some extent Agco, because of its heritage of acquiring different Manufacturers, and incorporating them into the Agco line, have been forced down this path, of having to keep architecture open.

So their connectivity has to be fairly generic, this is a Great Advantage for farmers.

An Article by Agco on Fuse Technologies  Click Here